Herpes Simplex - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Herpes is a caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). It has been estimated that the indirect and direct costs of incident HSV genital infection in the United States. The herpes virus can also be spread by touching the sores and then touching another part of the body. If you touch the sores, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Also, do not share towels or clothing with anyone. Herpes virus can infect the fetus and cause congenital abnormalities. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth It may also be transmitted to a newborn during vaginal delivery in mothers infected with herpes viruses, particularly if the mother has active infection at the time.

Herpes simplex viruses comprise 2 distinct types of DNA viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 causes oral lesions in approximately 80% of cases and genital lesions in 20% of cases. Virus can spread even when sores are not present.. The reverse is true for HSV-2, which causes genital lesions in 80% and oral lesions in 20%.

About 80% of the general adult population has serologic infection with HSV-1 with only about 30% of these individuals having clinically significant outbreaks. Approximately 20% of the adult population in the United States is seropositive for HSV-2. Herpes infections are marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals . The blisters resemble those seen in Chickenpox an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-Herpesviridae subfamily, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), also known as Human Herpes Virus 3 (HHV-3).

Causes of Herpes Simplex

Common causes of Herpes Simplex

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• Physical or emotional stress.
• Genital herpes.
• Maternal-fetal transmission.
• Ultraviolet light exposure.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Common Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue.
• Painful urination
• Swollen
• Tender lymph glands in the groin.
• Stress.
• Trauma.
• Fatigue.
• Lesions.
• Menstruation or sexual intercourse.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex

Common Treatment of Herpes Simplex

• Nucleoside analogs are molecules which possess a similarity to natural nucleotides.
• Wear loose clothing.
• OTC topical medications( dyclonine or benzocaine ) help in Herpes.
• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight.
• Keep the sore area clean and dry.
• Place cool or lukewarm cloths on the sore area for short periods of time.
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain.
• Avoid touching sores .
• Wash hands if you do touch the sores.
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided during this time.

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